Delegate Shaneka Henson - Newsletter
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In 2019, Annapolis native Shaneka Henson joined Maryland's House of Delegates succeeding the late former Speaker Michael E. Busch. Learn more about the trial attorney and former Alderwoman whose family values make her a passionate and bright leader.
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School starts for most students on August 28th & 29th. Save these important dates:
- Aug. 28 -- schools open for grades 1-5, 6 and 9 only
- Aug. 29 -- schools open for grades 1–12
- Thanksgiving break: Nov. 22-24
- Winter break: Dec. 25-Jan. 1
- Spring break: March 25-29
- Last day: June 13
Find the complete AACPS 2023-2024 school year calendar HERE.
AACPS anticipates that all bus routes will be fully covered. Find more information about school transportation HERE.
Join your community for Back-to-School Night. Find Back-to-School night events in your area HERE.
Find more information about non-public schools HERE
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Resources, News, and Updates
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Shop Tax Free
Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week is here. Sunday, August 13, to Saturday, August 19, any single qualifying article of clothing or footwear priced $100 or less – regardless of how many items are purchased in the same transaction – will be exempt from the state's six percent sales tax. Also, the first $40 of any backpack purchase is also tax free. Although commonly associated with back-to-school shopping, tax-free savings apply to shoppers of all ages.
Find more information HERE
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Back-to-School Vaccines & Health Screenings
AACO Department of Health is sponsoring a series of clinics to provide students with required vaccinations prior to the start of the school year. Find more info for clinic dates and times HERE or call Parole Health Center 410-222-7247
Back-to-School health & vision screenings are available at low-cost or no cost for Anne Arundel County students. Learn more HERE or call 410-222-6838
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Apply Now for a Service Year with the Department of Service and Civic Innovation
High school graduates ages 18-21 who have received their high school diploma or GED in Maryland have the opportunity to serve across the state in organizations that will provide job training and focused professional development while earning at least $15/hour.
Similarly, adults of any age can apply to serve Maryland Corps.
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Donate Backpacks & School Supplies
Donate Back-to-School supplies now through August 24, 2023, to the Light House back-pack drive.
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Enjoy River Days at Quiet Waters Park
Join AARPD for River Days Festival on August 27, 2023, at Quiet Waters Park. Spend the day celebrating our county's rivers with boat rides, games, kayak rentals, live music, food trucks, and more. Tickets for boat rides are free, but there are a limited number of seats available.
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Federal Student Loan Repayment Pause Ends Soon
The Federal Student Loan Payment Pause ends on August 31, 2023. Maryland's Student Loan Ombudsman has provided a factsheet with important steps to take.
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New Grant Opportunity for Small Businesses
MyBGE recently launched the second round of its 2023 Energizing Small Business Grants program - an initiative that offers small business owners $20,000 grants that can be used for business operations, including the hiring of new employees or capital improvements.
Learn more HERE and apply by August 18th.
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Get Paid for Energy Upgrades
MEA offers rebates to eligible Maryland homeowners who have installed clean energy system at their homes, including solar PV panels, solar shingles, solar hot water, geothermal tied to a ground source heat pump, and ground source heat pump replacements for systems that have not already received a geothermal system rebate or grant from MEA.
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New Childcare Scholarship Application
Beginning July 1, 2023, the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program uses a fast-track application process to provide eligible families assistance with childcare expenses. The new process grants temporary eligibility determination to eligible applicants within three business days.
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Another Reason to Buy Electric
MVA is now issuing HOV permits for all Maryland electric vehicle owners. To learn more about this see the press release HERE.
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Free Movie Night at Bates Legacy Center
Every First and Third Wednesday of the month, at 7pm, the Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center (1101 Smithville St, Annapolis) will be hosting a free movie night, featuring movies that tell black stories and celebrate black culture.
For more information and to reserve your spot go HERE.
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Gun Safety Lock Giveaway
Residents 18 years and older can receive up to two gun safety locks at the Busch Annapolis, Eastport-Annapolis Neckand Glen Burnie libraries. No library card is needed to participate, and no proof of residency is required.
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Roadwork in Annapolis
Some notable changes to parking, traffic flow and street closures will continue through the end of 2023:
- Bladen Street in-bound and outbound closed.
- Parking in Carroll Street Garage remains open during this time.
- Pedestrian traffic down Bladen has been altered, hindering the ability to travel beyond the Senate Building main entrance and HOD Building main entrance.
- This closure of Bladen Street will also close College Ave. at Church Circle (see MOT plan)
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Renew Your Maryland Medicaid
Medicaid renewals won't be automatic this year. Check in to make sure your info is current, so that you can receive important notices on any changes to your health insurance.
Learn more HERE or call 855-642-8572
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Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is available statewide and provides Maryland households with financial relief toward water and/or wastewater bills. Eligible households may receive up to $2,000. More info HERE
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Opportunities Industrialization Center
Opportunities Industrialization Center of Anne Arundel County Maryland is an adult education and job readiness service. We offer free classes in GED Preparation, Introduction to Computer, Microsoft Office Essentials, and English as a Second Language. We believe in improving our community by empowering people to help themselves. More Info HERE.
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Military Career Connections
Are you a transitioning military service member, veteran, or military spouse wanting to connect with Anne Arundel Workforce Development career services? Visit HERE to learn about the eligibility requirements!
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MyMDCARES "Counselor On Call" Program
Need help navigating life within relationships, school, parenting, work, legal, financial, and other everyday responsibilities? The MyMDCARES program is now available with confidential, in-the-moment support, 24/7 that can help you and dependents with personal or professional issues that could be interfering with work or family issues. Participation is at no-cost to you! Learn more about this program HERE.
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Affordable Connectivity Program
Maxsip Telecom, the provider for the Federal Government's Affordable Connectivity Program, is providing FREE internet and tablets to anyone on government assistance programs like Medicaid. Go to the link HERE to learn more about qualifications and to apply!
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Call or Text 988 for Free Support
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline is available nationwide. Anyone in the United States can call or text 988 to talk to mental health counselors and receive confidential and free support 24/7/365.
Anne Arundel County residents can still access the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, Inc. Community Warmline at 410-768-5522.
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Virtual Office Hours to meet with Delegate Henson
Every First Wednesday, Delegate Henson will be hosting Virtual Office Hours. If you have an issue you would like to discuss, sign up for your 15 minute meeting HERE.
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COVID-19 Testing, Eviction Prevention, Help Finding Jobs, and Job Training
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If you are unable to determine your issue through the FAQs featured on the website, please send my office an email explaining the issues you're facing as well as the following information so that we may present that to our Legislative Liaison:
- Full legal name
- Phone number
- Claim/Claimant ID (if applicable)
Please note that Senator Elfreth, Delegate Jones and I submit the same claims.
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Community Food and Necessity Distributions
Below are some food giveaways scheduled for this week:
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City of Annapolis, Office of Emergency Management, Every Friday 12:00pm-2:00pm, Pip Moyer Recreation center, Every Friday-12-2pm, To be placed on the list, call/e-mail Office of Emergency Management: (410) 216 - 9167; kltisch@annapolis.gov
- St. Luke’s Food, Baby & Senior Pantry at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1101 Bay Ridge Ave., every Tuesday 11:00am-12:00pm, (food, infant formula, diapers and wipes, adult formula supplement and adult incontinence protection items), bring ID.
- Mills Parole Elementary School, 1 George & Marion Phelps Lane Annapolis, MD, every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month 10:00am-12:00pm.
- Asbury United Methodist Church, 87 West St Annapolis MD, has a food pantry available ever Wed. and Fri. from 9AM - 11AM.
- Heritage Baptist Church, 1740 Forest Drive Annapolis MD, has food giveaway every Tuesday 9:30am-11am (must provide ID and proof of residency)
- First Baptist Church of Annapolis, 31 W. Washington Street, gives away pantry bags and prepared meals every Saturday, 11 am - 1 pm
- Discoveries: the Library at the Mall in Westfield Annapolis Mall, gives away baby/infant supplies and menstrual products every Saturday from 10 am - 12 pm.
- Cornerstone Church: Rotating HACA communities on the second Saturday of each month (May - Bloomsbury, June - Eastport, July - Morris Blum, August - Robinwood). Each giveaway will be 12:30pm 2:30pm.
Call 410-260-2211 to Schedule a Fresh Food Delivery Option
Information on regularly scheduled pantries can be found at the top of my newsletter by clicking on the link next to "Food Resources in District 30A." Please send an email to Shaneka.Henson@house.state.md.us if you know of a food resource that should be included in this newsletter.
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